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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Major red flags. Find a breeder who shows in conformation. Don't trust breeders who charge more for a certain coat color. Breeders should NOT be breeding in order to sell an expensive coat color, they should be breeding for a sound temperament, structure, and health. They shouldn't be marketing dogs as accessories. I think my dog is cute and that is part of why I like him, but you have to draw the line somewhere. I didn't base my final decision on that. His breed comes in many different coat colors and he was what he was (I got a him at 15 months old). If he was the same 15 month old in a different coat color I still would have gotten him. These are not collectors' items and responsible breeders won't market them as such. You need to base your decision on factors other than coat color. THIS IS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT (life of the dog).

[b]It is normal to charge more puppies or young dogs who are show (conformation) prospects. But you're not going to acccidentally buy a show dog. I have never heard of a reputable, respected breeder in my breed that charges more based on color, sex, markings, etc. And I've been in contact with nearly every breeder on the east coast. [/b]

I assume people who buy a dog for $25k are rich anyway and don't care if it's "too much", but they should care if they get a dog who isn't right for their family or support a breeding operation that isn't looking out for the best interests of the dogs. 
[/quote]

This is interesting to me because I had totally different experience. We contacted several breaders in several states on the east coast. All of them would price each puppy differently (based on their conformity to the standard).[/quote]

In my breed, many show prospects don't turn out and depending on the age, certain features, and therefore how sure it is, prices can vary (a show prospect that has already been grown out is more expensive than a potential show puppy, for example). That is normal. What's different is marketing certain colors (sometimes these are even conformation faults, but who cares - I don't, I'm just pointing out this is generally one reason why show breeders don't do this) as premium almost like these dogs are collectors' items. And although breeders in my breed will sometimes describe a dog as having "flashy" markings, in conformation there isn't supposed to be bias or favoring towards certain colors or markings above and beyond the breed standard.

However, there may be breeds where this is more accepted, but I'm sure it won't look like that website among reputable conformation breeders. In general when you look for a reputable breeder, you should be looking for someone who isn't "marketing" a dog to you in any way, but looking to match you with a dog or a dog with you. People complain that rescues drive them to breeders, but you can't just go buy a dog from all breeders. Then on that side I've heard people complain those breeders are "driving them to pet stores/puppy mills." In my experience they will try very hard to not seem like they're trying to sell you a puppy, but just respond to your interest. You will have to seem very interested and follow up in order to even get a little info.

I am not actually trying to recommend this path either way to people unless they have a very specific idea of what they want and they have their heart set on it. Otherwise I recommend you get out and start meeting dogs/puppies at petsmart and adoption events. Look up Wolf Trap Rescue on Facebook if you want a puppy and don't have a specific idea. Visit Lost Dog Rescue adoption events. These rescues adopt to families with children as much as reputable breeder will (within reason when it's the right fit). Most people will be very happy with the dogs and puppies they meet this way. Yes, you will "lose" out on puppies. Don't get your hopes up. Keep going and the time will be right. This will happen if you use a reputable breeder as well. I have had my heart broken so many times. I once made significant travel plans to go get a puppy and the night before the breeder called and decided to keep puppy as a show prospect. I've had other lost puppies as well but not on such a significant scale as having already made plans for extensive travel. I did have my heart set on these puppies because I have had this breed my whole life and having the dogs reminds me of my lost treasured family members. I have decide that even so I don't really support breeding anymore and will only get adult dogs (of my breed) who have been returned from now on. It's a little easier than a puppy because less people want an adult, even a very young dog.

But, I just don't want people to think that going to a breeder is like going to a store and you buy what you want. If it appears to be that way you should definitely be questioning things. When you're making a lifetime commitment, is the easy way really the way you want? Does a month, or a year, or even a couple years really matter - once you get your best friend that wait will be rewarded by 10-20 years of treasured companionship. [/quote]

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